Shreyas Iyer’s Explosive Century Powers India to 8-Wicket Win Over West Indies

Captain Shreyas Iyer produced a stunning unbeaten century as India crushed the West Indies by eight wickets in the first T20I to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Chasing 172 in Lucknow, India reached 172 for 2 in just 14.4 overs, with Iyer finishing unbeaten on 102 from 43 balls.

His explosive innings included 10 fours and six sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award and his first international T20 century.

Iyer Hits 42-Ball Century

After taking some time to settle in, Iyer completely took control of the chase. He reached his half-century from 28 balls before completing his century in just another 14 deliveries.

Iyer became the third India captain to score a T20I century and the first Indian captain to achieve the feat while chasing.

Virat Kohli previously held India’s highest score while chasing against the West Indies, with an unbeaten 94 in 2019.

Among captains from Full Member nations, only Rohit Sharma and Sikandar Raza have scored faster centuries than Iyer’s 42-ball hundred. Rohit reached his century in 35 balls, while Raza did it in 33.

Ishan Kishan Provides Strong Support

Ishan Kishan played a more controlled innings alongside his captain, scoring 37 from 27 balls.

The pair added an unbeaten 137-run partnership from 68 balls, completely taking the game away from the West Indies.

With India needing seven runs for victory and Iyer five short of his century, the captain launched Roston Chase over long-on for a massive six to complete his hundred and bring India within touching distance of victory.

The match ended with the very next delivery.

West Indies Collapse After Fast Start

Earlier, the West Indies made a strong start after being sent in to bat, scoring 36 without loss in the first four overs.

But the visitors quickly lost three wickets.

Debutant Kamil Pooran was dismissed for 12 by Arshdeep Singh. Axar Patel then dismissed Rovman Powell without scoring during the final over of the powerplay, while Shimron Hetmyer was run out in the same over.

From 38 without loss, the West Indies suddenly slipped to 44 for 3.

Hope and Rutherford Lead the Fight

Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford rebuilt the innings with a 63-run fourth-wicket partnership.

Hope, who had scored an unbeaten 162 in the final ODI against India, made 52 from 37 balls in the T20I.

Rutherford contributed a powerful 56 from 34 balls.

But after Hope was dismissed, another collapse followed. The West Indies went from 107 for 3 to 135 for 8.

Rutherford and Akeal Hosein added 36 for the ninth wicket to help the visitors reach 171 before being bowled out in 19.1 overs.

Naman Dhir Impresses on Debut

India’s spinners were highly effective, taking seven of the West Indies’ wickets.

Off-spinner Naman Dhir was the pick of the bowlers on debut, finishing with 3 for 31 from four overs.

Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav claimed two wickets each.

The West Indies were eventually bowled out for 171 in 19.1 overs, but India made light work of the chase, reaching 172 for 2 with 32 balls remaining.

Brief Score

West Indies: 171 all out in 19.1 overs
Shai Hope 52, Sherfane Rutherford 56; Naman Dhir 3/31, Axar Patel 2/26, Kuldeep Yadav 2/33.

India: 172/2 in 14.4 overs
Shreyas Iyer 102*, Ishan Kishan 37*.

Result: India won by 8 wickets
Series: India lead 1-0 in the five-match series
Player of the Match: Shreyas Iyer

The second T20I will be played in Ranchi next Friday.